Uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan top priority: Tuku
“There are challenges everywhere in the power and energy sector. Taking on this responsibility itself is a challenge,” he said.
Newly appointed Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said the sector faces "massive challenges," but his immediate focus is ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during the upcoming Ramadan and irrigation season.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on his first day in office today (18 February), the minister said, "For now, Ramadan and irrigation are the top priorities. Once we successfully manage these two, we will outline our future plans."
Tuku, who previously served as state minister for power and energy from 2001 to 2006, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead.
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"There are challenges everywhere in the power and energy sector. Taking on this responsibility itself is a challenge," he said.
The Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (Bippa) recently warned that unless at least 60% of the outstanding Tk13,000–Tk14,000 crore owed to producers is released, electricity generation could be disrupted, potentially triggering widespread load-shedding during Ramadan and the summer months.
Bippa made the demand to the interim government for the release of the outstanding bills.
Responding to the association's claim, the minister said, "If Bippa has made such a statement, it would amount to blackmailing the new government."
Earlier, during his interaction with ministry officials, he said, "I have worked in this ministry before, and I will seek your full cooperation to run its activities smoothly."
Sensing the tough road ahead, Tuku said, "I have taken charge of this sector at a time when it is hard to predict what will happen tomorrow. Nothing is possible without electricity."
"We must ensure a reliable power supply and also feel confident that we can get through Ramadan without disruption. Within our capacity, we will do everything possible to avoid load-shedding," he added.
Tuku also said, "I do not want to run this ministry with politically affiliated individuals. Our focus should be on working together for the country."
